Oscillatory laundry machine having axial drain



Sept. 7, 1954 w. o. MANLEY 2,688,242 OSCILLATORY LAUNDRY MACHINE HAVING AXIAL DRAIN INVENTOR.

War/e 0. Mar/6y Patented Sept. 7, 1954 OSCILLATOR/Y LAUNDRY MACHINE HAVING AXIAL DRAIN Warren 0. Manley, North Kansas City, Mo., as-

signor to 0. Earl Hovey, trustee, Kansas City,

Application November 27, 1950, Serial No. 197,682

Claims.

This invention relates to washing machines particularly adapted for use in cleaning textiles, although not restricted thereto, and has for its primary object to improve upon the structures disclosed in my Patents No. 2,502,053, dated March 28, 1950, and No. 2,519,060, dated August 15, 1950.

The broad principles of operation of the structures of the aforesaid patents and of that forming the subject matter hereof, include the provision of an elongated tank or tub having arcuate ends and mounted for oscillating or rocking movement on a substantially central, transverse and horizontal axis at the lower extremities of the tub. Because of such mounting of the tub on a central axis at the bottom thereof, the problem of draining the tub of the cleansing liquid necessitated the improvements of the present invention in cluding the provision of a tubular shaft for mounting the tub, the shaft itself being pivotally mounted for oscillating movement on its own axis and carrying the tub and serving additionally as a drain outlet for the cleansing fluid used in the tank or tub.

Another broad principle of operation included in the aforesaid patents and in the present application, has to do with the provision of completely arcuate end walls in the tub terminating in lips extending downwardly and inwardly from the uppermost wall thereof to provide the proper action of the cleansing fluid within the tub as the latter is rocked.

In the earlier of the two patents above mentioned, there is disclosed a spray head overlying the aforesaid lips and disposed to direct fluid inwardly and downwardly against the material being cleansed in the tub.

It is an important object of the present invention therefore, to improve upon such means of directing fluid into the tub which includes the utilization of the lips themselves as a receiv ing means for the fluid so as to evenly and effectively distribute the liquid over the fabric material or other articles being cleaned.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide in combination with the liquid inlet means and the inturned lips, an annular depending flange surrounding the inlet opening of the tub that is capable of cooperating with the lips in maintaining the incoming liquid in a predetermined path of travel.

These and other objects will all be made clear as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure l is a top plan view of a laundry machine made according to one form of my present invention, parts being broken away to reveal details of construction.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view thereof, parts being broken away and in section for clearness.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken on line IIIIII of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, detailed view partially in section, showing a modified form of spray head.

In the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, there is provided a base or supporting framework that includes a pair of spaced-apart, substantially rectangular supports l0 and [2 that may be interconnected in any suitable manner not shown, to hold the same in an upright condition and substantially parallel. The supports l0 and E2 serve as the sole means of mounting an elongated tub Hi virtually identical in shape to that illustrated in my prior patents aforementioned.

V Tub M includes a bottom having a pair of sections that converge on a center line H! extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the tub M precisely as illustrated in Fig. 2 of Patent No. 2,502,053. The bottom wall [6 merges into arcuate end walls 20 and 22 which continue into the top of the tub and terminate in a pair of lips 2 and 20 that extend downwardly and inwardly at an angle into the tub I l. The lips 24 and 26 extend entirely across the tub M between parallel side walls 28 and 30 thereof. A fiat panel 32 joins the lips 22 and 26 and forms the remainder of the top wall of the tub it, there being an inlet opening formed in the top panel 32 by means of a continuous, preferably annular, downturned flange 3 that in turn is provided with a horizontal annulus 36 at the lowermost edge thereof.

The inlet opening defined by the annular flange 34 is normally closed when the machine is placed in operation through the medium of a domeshaped closure 38 that overlaps the uppermost face of the top wall 32 along the margin of the inlet opening thereof and is provided with an annular flange 10 that fits snugly within the flange 3 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. The closure 38 is mounted upon an elongated arcuate bar 42 through the medium of a centrally disposed bolt it having a spring 46 coiled thereabout and interposed between the two sections 38 and 42.

The bar $2 is hingedly secured at one end thereof to the top panel 32 as at 48 and is releasably secured at its opposite end through the 3 medium of a swingable latch 50 that hooks over a detent 52 carried by the tub 14.

It is noted that when the bar 42 is in an operative position holding the closure 38 in place as illustrated in Fig. 3, the spring 45 is compressed, thereby yieldably forcing the closure 38 tightly against the top wall 32. Swinging of the latch member 50 from the detent 52 permits movement of the bar 42 upwardly on the hinge 43 carrying therewith the closure 33 and permitting access to the interior of tub [4 by way of the inlet opening of top wall 32.

Tub Hi is provided with a foraminous false bottom 5 3 that is substantially flat and having a plurality of ribs 56 formed therein presenting grooves in its uppermost surface. By virtue of the ribs 56, the false bottom 5:3 is strengthened and further, through presentation of the grooves in the uppermost face of the bottom 54, the articles being cleansed by the machine will receive a scrubbing action as he same move across the upper surface of false bottom 5-4.

The tub is is mounted between the support panels it and. it! through the medium of an elongated, tubular shaft 53 disposed between the bottom walls it and 54 and extending entirely across the tub is on its central line [8 through openings provided in the side walls 28 and 30 thereof. The tubular shaft 58 is secured rigidly to the tub i l and is carried for oscillating movement by the frame member it through the medium of a bearing 53, Tube 58 likewise passes through a bearing 62 in the frame panel it for oscillating movement therein. An elongated, longitudinally extending slot it formed in the tube at the bottom thereof facing the bottom wall 56 entirely within the tub i l, furnishes a drain outlet and the cleaning liquid is carried through the tubular shaft 58 through a conduit that is coupled with the tube 5&5 exteriorly of the panel i3 and leads to a suitable point of discharge, not shown. Any conventional means of coupling the conduit ti; and the tube 58 may be utilized including suitable packing and sealing means and the like permitting oscillating movement of the shaft 53 with respect to the tube 66.

Means ior rocking or oscillating the tub [4 together with the shaft 58, in bearings 6!} and 52 include an electric motor or other prime mover 68 having connection through speed reduction caring with structure contained in a housing 10 for imparting reciprocable movement to a shaft or rod pivctally connected at its uppermost end with the bottom wall It of tub i4 near one end of the latter as at it.

A fle:.ible hose it connects at one end thereof with a source of water Or other cleansing liquid through the medium of a bracket 18 carried by the panel it and has a T-shaped member joined directly to its opposite end that includes a stem Bil extending through the wall ti] and joined rigidly thereto. Stem 89 is provided with a pair of oppositely extending branches 82 and 84 within the tub i joined therewith by a connection 86 and terminating in open ends underlying the top wall 3'2 and spaced from the lips 24 and 25 respectively. The branches 82 and 84 are disposed to direct fluid emanating from hose [6 and stem 80 under pressure upon the upper faces of the lips 24 and 2t and toward the side wall 28 of the tub it.

There is provided a suitable valve not shown, within the drain conduit 66 that is closed when the machine is placed in operation and in use, the tub I4 is partially filled with water or other cleansing fluid including detergents as are necessary, and the articles to be cleaned are placed within the tub 14 through the inlet opening of top wall 32. Upon energization of the motor 68 to reciprocate the rod 12 as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2, a rocking or oscillating motion will be imparted to the tub M in much the same manner as provided for in my patents above identified.

A figure of 8 action of the cleaning liquid and of the articles within the tub it provides a thorough cleansing action and as the fabric is scrubbed across the foraminous bottom 54, dirt will be loosened therefrom. The arcuate end walls 20 and 22, together with the lips 24 and 26 cause continuous movement of the liquid and of the articles being cleaned. The soapy water may be quickly and easily drained from the tub [4 by opening the aforesaid valve within conduit 66, such liquid passing through the tubular supporting shaft 53 by means of the outlet 54. A rinsing step may thereupon be accomplished by directing clear water into the tub 34 through the hose 16. lThe water will impinge upon the upper faces of the lips 2 and 25, be directed entirely therea-long toward the wall 28 and eventually gravitat-e to the lowermost edges of the lips 24 and 26 to the clothing within tub M.

In actual practice it been found that the liquid emanating from the branches S2 and 84 will travel in a substantially continuous path around the flange 34 and the latter will serve to deflect the water downwardly and maintain the same within a substantially vertical path of gravitational travel. The clear water that falls upon the clothes as the same are caused to move across the bottom 54 of the tub it as the latter is continuously rocked, affords a complete cleansing of the clothes and upon completion of such step, the liquid may again be drained from the tub M by way of rocking shaft 58.

In addition to the foregoing, the shaft may serve an auxiliary function of providing an inlet for steam to maintain the liquid within the tub is in a heated condition. That end of the tube 58 adjacent the bearing Gil is adapted to receive a steam tube (not shown) having a control valve therein, and coupled with a suitable source of heating medium.

It is now seen that an inexpensive and simple means has been provided for presenting an oscillating mounting for the washing machine that serves additionally as a drain outlet for the cleansing liquid, and it is apparent that the structure herein disclosed for directing the rinsing water to the clothing is a substantial improvement over that of my prior disclosure.

In Fig. 4 of the drawings there is shown a spray head E00 coupled with hose $62 (comparable to hose TB) and passing through wall i4 (similar to wall 38). Head Hill comprises a hollow sphere Hi6 having a tubular, externally threaded stem 108 that is joined to wall 584 by a nut i iii, a pair of resilient washers M2 on opposite sides of wall I04 being clamped between nut i ill and a shoulder H4 on stem 568.

Sphere l 86 has a pair of parallel, semi-circular slots H6, diametrically opposite to stem [08 and intersecting the sphere I06 immediately below a plane through the lowermost edges of lips H8 that correspond to lips 26, one lip I [8 only being shown in Fig. 4.

Liquid emanates from the slots H6 of sphere IOB in fan-like sheets toward the side and end walls of the washing machine tub, thoroughly drenching underlying clothing and the like being washed, rinsed or otherwise treated.

Additional advantages and uses emanating from a laundry machine made as above disclosed are, of course, contemplated hereby and it is, therefore, desired to be limited only by the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Having thu described the invention what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a washing machine, an elongated tub having a bottom wall; an elongated, horizontal tube traversing the tub therewithin and secured thereto adjacent said bottom wall; a drain opening formed in the tube Within the tub and communicating with the tub; and means pivotally mounting the tube for oscillating movement of the tube and the tub on the longitudinal axis of the tube.

2. In a washing machine, an elongated tub having a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side Walls; an elongated, horizontal tube traversing the distance between the side walls of the tub, extending through said side walls and secured to the tub in overlying relationship to said bottom wall; a longitudinal drain slot formed in the tube at the bottom thereof and within the tub; and a tube and tub support including means pivotally mounting the tube for oscillating movement of the tube and the tub on the longitudinal axis of the tube.

3. In a washing machine, an elongated tub having a bottom wall and a pair of opposed, elongated, vertical side walls; an elongated, horizontal tube traversing the distance between the side walls of the tub and secured thereto midway between the ends of said side walls and adjacent said bottom wall; a drain opening formed in the tube within the tub and communicating with the tub; and means pivotally mounting the tube for oscillating movement of the tube and the tub on the longitudinal axis of the tube.

4. In a washing machine, an elongated tub having a bottom wall; an elongated, horizontal tube traversing the tub therewithin and secured thereto adjacent said bottom wall; a drain opening formed in the tube within the tub and communicating with the tub; and means pivotally mounting the tube for oscillating movement of the tube and the tub on the longitudinal axi of the tube, said drain opening facing the bottom of the tub.

5. In a washing machine, an elongated tub having a bottom wall and a pair of opposed, elongated, vertical side Walls; an elongated, horizontal tube traversing the distance between the side walls of the tub and secured thereto midway between the ends of said side walls and adjacent said bottom wall; a drain opening formed in the tube within the tub and communicating with the tub; and means pivotally mounting the tube for oscillating movement of the tube and the tub on the longitudinal axis of the tube, said drain opening facing the bottom of the tub, and extending longitudinally of the tube.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 708,558 Hyatt Sept. 9, 1902 1,131,842 Judd Mar, 16, 1915 1,386,245 Edwards Aug. 2, 1921 1,763,644 Bell June 17, 1930 2,264,846 Huebsch Dec. 2, 1941 2,502,053 Manley Mar. 28, 1950 

